GANESH CHATURTHI (BIRTHDAY OF GANESH)

26th – 27th August 2025

Hindu

Ganesh Chaturthi (or Vinayaka Chaturthi) is a Hindu festival that honours the birth of the beloved Hindu elephant-headed god, Ganesh, (also known as Ganesha, Ganapati and Vinayaka). He is the son of Shiva and Parvati, and is a popular god of wisdom and prosperity, worshipped for his ability to remove obstacles and bring good fortune. He is accordingly invoked by Hindus at the outset of any auspicious events, rites and rituals such as marriage, journeys, etc. This festival is particularly significant for Hindus from Maharashtra and is celebrated in a major way in Mumbai (Bombay). Celebrations last for one, five or ten days, and conclude with the immersion in water of the image of Ganesh.

There are numerous stories in Hindu mythology associated with the birth and life of this elephant-headed god, whose vehicle is the rat. Legend has it that Parvati created Ganesh out of the sandalwood dough that she used for her bath. She then breathed life into him. Leaving him to stand guard at the door, she went to have her bath in privacy. When her husband, Shiva returned, the child who had never seen him before refused to let him enter. Shiva cut off the head of the child and entered the house. When Parvati, learnt that her son was dead, she was distraught and asked Shiva to bring him back to life. He sent his servants to fetch the head of the first creature they met. They encountered a young elephant, cut off its head, and Shiva fixed it on the body of Ganesha.

Another story tells of the wedding of Ganesh. Shiva and Parvati decided that one of their sons, Kartikeya or Ganesh, whichever was the first to circumambulate the earth three times, would be the first to be married. Kartikeya flew off on his vehicle – a speedy peacock. Ganapati’s vehicle, the rat, was no match for it. But Parvati showed Ganesh, as the more devoted of the two, a simpler way to win. She advised him to walk around his parents, and explained that whoever offered puja to his parents and circled round them would receive the same merit as he who went around the earth. So Ganapati won the race and married first, showing that he who respects his parents attains what he most wishes.

Furthermore, as the designated scribe for the Mahabharata, Ganesh is said to have removed one of his tusks and from it carved a quill. He used this to write the epic poem on palm leaves as the sage Ved Vyas recited it to him. The writing of the epic is said to have taken three years!

On the first day of Ganesh Chaturthi, ardent followers of the god meditate early in the morning on the stories connected with Ganesha. After taking a bath, they go to the temple and offer prayers to him, along with coconut and sweet pudding. They pray with faith and devotion that he will remove all the obstacles they experience on their spiritual path. They also worship him later on at home.

Life-like clay models of Ganesha are made some two to three months prior to the day of the festival. The size of these images may vary from threequarters of an inch to over 25 feet. The artists who create the images of Ganesh often compete with each other to make bigger and more magnificent and elegant ones. These larger versions can be anything from 10 metres to 30 metres in height. Once an image of Ganesh is created, a special ceremony is undertaken to invoke the god’s holy presence into the image. Offerings of sweets, flowers, rice, coconut and coins are made to the deity, and the image is also anointed with red chandan powder. Prayers are offered to Ganesha every day during the festival, and temples devoted to him organise special events and prayers. Those who have an image of Ganesha in their house also treat and care for him as a well beloved guest.

For 10 days, Ganesha is worshipped. On the 11th and last day of the festival, his image is taken through the streets in a procession, accompanied by dancing and singing, to be immersed in a lake, river or the sea. This symbolises his journey towards his abode in Kailash, where he takes with him each year the misfortunes of all humanity.